What You Gain as a U.S. Citizen — and What’s Expected of You
If you’re a green card holder eligible for naturalization, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Becoming a U.S. citizen opens the door to life-changing opportunities — and comes with important responsibilities. You’ll gain the right to vote in elections, carry a powerful U.S. passport, apply for certain federal jobs, and sponsor more family members to join you in the United States. These benefits give you greater freedom, security, and a stronger voice in shaping your future.
At the same time, citizenship means fulfilling duties that help keep the country strong, such as obeying federal and state laws, paying taxes on time, and serving on a jury if called. You may also be asked to support and defend the United States when needed.
By embracing both the benefits and the responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, you’ll not only secure your rights but also contribute to the nation you now call home. In this guide, you’ll discover the top benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship — and why starting your application today can set you on the path to a more secure and rewarding future.
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What are the U.S. Citizenship Benefits?
Becoming a U.S. citizen gives you more than just a title — it offers rights, freedoms, and protections that go far beyond what a green card can provide. Here’s what you can look forward to after naturalization:
1. Stronger, Permanent Security Beyond a Green Card
As a U.S. citizen, you cannot be deported to your former country of citizenship or nationality — even if you face legal trouble in the future. Your right to live and work anywhere in the United States is permanent and unconditional. Unlike green card holders, you’ll never need to renew your status, pay costly immigration fees, or worry about losing your residency by staying abroad too long.
While there have been a few rare cases of citizenship being taken away due to serious past crimes or false information on applications, this is extremely uncommon and doesn’t affect the vast majority of naturalized citizens.
2. A Strong and Respected U.S. Passport
One of the most valuable U.S. citizenship benefits is the ability to travel the world with one of the most powerful passports. Getting your U.S. passport after you receive your Certificate of Naturalization is one of the first — and most rewarding — steps you can take as a new citizen. With it, you can visit over 180 countries visa-free for short stays, travel as often as you wish, and get help from U.S. embassies or consulates during emergencies. This is a major upgrade from the travel restrictions that often apply to permanent residents.
3. Exclusive Federal Benefits and Opportunities
Citizens gain full access to certain programs and benefits that are off-limits to green card holders. This includes scholarships, federal financial aid for college, and career opportunities in government agencies that require citizenship. These benefits can open doors to higher education, better jobs, and greater financial stability.
4. Faster Family Sponsorship
As a citizen, you can petition for more categories of family members — including parents, married children, and siblings — and your petitions are often processed faster than those from green card holders. This means your loved ones can join you in the U.S. more quickly.
5. Automatic Citizenship for Your Children
Children under 18 automatically become U.S. citizens when you naturalize, even if they were born outside the country. All you need to do is report their birth to a U.S. embassy or consulate. This saves them from having to go through the immigration process themselves later in life.
6. Eligibility for Government Jobs
Many federal positions — including roles in homeland security, foreign service, and law enforcement — are open only to U.S. citizens. These jobs often come with competitive pay, strong job security, and excellent benefits for you and your family.
7. The Right to Vote and Shape the Nation’s Future
Only citizens can vote in federal elections, and your vote directly influences leadership and policies that impact your life. Voting gives you a voice in shaping your community and the nation’s future — a privilege green card holders do not have.
8. Eligibility to Run for Public Office
Citizenship is a requirement for holding most elected positions at the local, state, and federal levels. If you want to serve your community in public office, naturalization is your first step.
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What Are the Responsibilities of a U.S. Citizen?
On the other hand, as a citizen of the U.S, there are more responsibilities that one must undergo. Green card holders may sometimes opt out of the added benefits of becoming citizens of the U.S. because of the added responsibilities. However, each individual will make their own decisions and weigh the benefits of being a U.S. citizen.
So, what are the responsibilities of a citizen? Some of the responsibilities of citizens in the U.S. include:
- Renouncing citizenship in their country of origin: For many, this is a huge requirement and one that some don’t wish to do. Depending on your home country’s rules, dual citizenship is usually frowned upon. But, if your home country doesn’t require you to give up citizenship, you can still have dual citizenship to the U.S. along with your original citizenship.
- Filing income taxes for life: Similar to that of a U.S. born citizen, filing income taxes is mandatory. As long as you are working and making income, you will be taxed federally and by the state where you reside.
- Military service: Similar to that of other male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26, you will need to register with the selective service.
- Swear allegiance to the U.S.: Supporting the defending the United States is an important responsibility of all U.S. citizens. This may be the most important responsibility of a citizen.
- Undergoing jury duty: All U.S. citizens are subject to jury duty at some point in their life if requested, meaning you will be as well. If you are summoned, you will need to serve on the jury for a case. However, this will vary depending on age, disabilities, and what the attorneys are looking for.
To become a U.S. citizen, you must be willing to do all of the above and more. But why are these responsibilities essential? You will be able to be an active member of the country and community, involved in all aspects of the United States if you so shall choose.
Are You Green Card Holder who applied for U.S. Citizen? Check the benefits, rights & responsibilities of a green card holder.
Get Started On Gaining Your Citizenship, Today!
Obtaining United States citizenship can sometimes be complicated and challenging, but acquiring it is highly rewarding and worth it. However, the naturalization process can go smoothly with the help of skilled immigration services. At ImmigrationDirect, we are always here to help.
If you have any questions or wish to begin your naturalization process to become a U.S. citizen or USCIS Immigration Forms, contact us today.
